Swiss Re Capital Markets structures and places USD 350 million catastrophe bond for Frontline Insurance

Swiss Re Capital Markets underwrote the transaction via two classes of principal at-risk variable rate notes issued by Frontline Re Ltd., a Bermuda exempted company licensed and registered as a special purpose insurer under the Bermuda Insurance Act 1978 and related regulations, each as amended.

The USD 350 million Frontline Re Ltd. transaction represents the largest cat bond of a Florida based (non-government entity) insurance company. The USD 250 million Class A notes and USD 100 million Class B notes have a four-year risk period starting July 1, 2018 and provide protection against named storms. The transaction features an event adjusted attachment level, which for the first time in the cat bond market is based on the event size rank of a named storm within an annual risk period.

Jean-Louis Monnier, Co-Head of ILS at Swiss Re Capital Markets, comments: "Swiss Re is pleased to provide support to Frontline on its debut catastrophe bond issuance. The transaction was well received by investors, and is the largest for a Florida insurer since 2014. The innovative cat bond combines structural mechanics of the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund ("FHCF") as well as features of Frontline's private reinsurance coverage and therefore seamlessly integrates with Frontline's reinsurance program."

Swiss Re Capital Markets acted as sole structuring agent and sole bookrunner for the transaction.

The Frontline Re Ltd. notes were sold pursuant to Rule 144A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") and have not been registered under the Securities Act or any state securities laws; they may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject, to the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws.

Notes to editors

Swiss Re Capital Markets
In the U.S., securities products and services are offered through Swiss ReCapital Markets Corporation, a registered broker dealer and a member of FINRA and SIPC. In the European Union, securities products and services are offered through Swiss Re Capital Markets Limited. Swiss Re Capital Markets Limited is authorized and regulated in the U.K. by the Financial Conduct Authority, and benefits from a passport into certain Member States of the European Union pursuant to the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive 2004/39/EC. Swiss Re Capital Markets Corporation and Swiss Re Capital Markets Limited, together "Swiss Re Capital Markets", are wholly owned subsidiaries of Swiss Re Ltd.

Swiss Re
The Swiss Re Group is one of the world’s leading providers of reinsurance, insurance and other forms of insurance-based risk transfer, working to make the world more resilient. It anticipates and manages risk – from natural catastrophes to climate change, from ageing populations to cyber crime. The aim of the Swiss Re Group is to enable society to thrive and progress, creating new opportunities and solutions for its clients. Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, where it was founded in 1863, the Swiss Re Group operates through a network of around 80 offices globally. It is organised into three Business Units, each with a distinct strategy and set of objectives contributing to the Group’s overall mission.

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